Pre-Manufactured Shipping Container With Huge Potential
Follow along as Channing takes a look at a unique pre-manufactured shipping container built at the factory in China. Unlike a typical container that arrives as an empty steel box and is modified afterward, this unit has already been designed with future modifications in mind.
The container is still built to transport cargo, but features such as kiosk-style openings give it the potential to quickly become a concession stand, retail kiosk, or other small commercial building.
Starting With a Pre-Manufactured Container
Most shipping container modifications begin with a standard sea can. The container arrives at the shop, openings are measured and cut, structural framing is installed, and the container is finished for its new purpose.
This concept takes a different approach.
By having some of the major features incorporated during manufacturing, there is an opportunity to reduce the amount of fabrication required after the container arrives.
The interesting part is that the unit is still built as a shipping container and can be used to transport cargo before beginning its second life as a building.
Built for a Kiosk or Concession Stand
One of the most obvious uses for this style of container is a concession stand or kiosk.
Large kiosk windows create openings where customers can be served directly from the side of the container. This makes the concept suitable for locations where the outdoor space around the container can become part of the customer area.
Instead of constructing an entire traditional building, the container provides the main structure while leaving plenty of possibilities for customizing the interior.
Depending on the application, a unit like this could potentially become a food kiosk, ticket booth, retail shop, event booth, or other small commercial space.
Less Fabrication After Delivery
Cutting large openings into a normal shipping container requires more than simply removing the steel wall.
Once material is removed, the opening needs to be properly framed and finished. Starting with a container that already incorporates these features could simplify the modification process and reduce the amount of work required once it reaches its final destination.
There would still be plenty of work involved in turning the shell into a finished building, including interior finishes, electrical, insulation, and whatever equipment the final use requires.
However, having the major structural openings already established gives the project a significant head start.
The Potential of Factory-Built Modifications
What makes this container especially interesting is not necessarily the finished product, but the idea behind it.
Shipping containers are manufactured in large quantities using repeatable processes. If certain modification features can be incorporated during that manufacturing process while still allowing the container to perform its original transportation role, there could be a lot of potential for future container buildings.
For concession stands, kiosks, and other repeatable builds, starting with a purpose-built shell could make the entire modification process faster and more efficient.
This container is a great example of how the shipping container industry continues to evolve beyond simple storage. With a little planning at the manufacturing stage, the same steel box that transports cargo across the world can arrive ready for an entirely different purpose.